One key, one use.
What keys should you have in your toolbox to meet all your work and renovation needs?
Overview.
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Fixed keys
Fixed keys each have a specific use.
These “female” keys grip the sides of the nuts and screw heads.
To select them, it is therefore necessary to purchase various sizes, suitable for:
The size of the nut,
The bolt or screw to be handled,
Accessibility to the anchor point
To the required tightening torque.
The flat key
Equipped with a “U” shaped tip at both ends, the flat wrench rests on two sides of the nut or screw.
Generally available in packs of 7, 8 or 12 keys, the flat key allows you to screw or unscrew nuts, screws and bolts with hexagonal or square heads.
The flat shape of the key allows it to access difficult places, such as behind a threaded rod attached to a wall, common in plumbing.
It is used in particular to assemble furniture, repair household appliances or install electrical equipment.
The eye key or polygonal key
The eye wrench has an eye, also called a socket, with a variable size of 11 and 13 mm.
It offers significant pressure and better grip on all types of bolts, and is particularly effective on seized anchors.
It is also ideal for tightening/loosening screws in hard-to-reach places.
The combination key
The combination wrench combines a flat wrench and a 6-point box wrench.
Versatile, its closed end loosens difficult nuts, while the open end quickly finishes unscrewing.
For example, it allows you to replace plumbing connections, change taps or attach mudguards.
Sold as a set and in different sizes, it is an essential tool for DIY enthusiasts requiring both strength and precision.
The pipe wrench and unblocked pipe wrench
L-shaped, the pipe wrench has a lever arm for effective tightening in hard-to-reach places.
Resistant to torsion, it is widely used in mechanics.
It allows access to hidden bolts or nuts, and provides a long grip to increase torque.
Some pipe wrenches have a hexagonal jaw on one side and a polygonal jaw of a different diameter on the other.
Adjustable keys
Unlike fixed wrenches, adjustable wrenches have an adjustable opening that allows you to work on multiple sizes of nuts or bolts with a single tool.
Suitable for old screws, often large diameters, they are very popular in mechanics or plumbing.
The adjustable wrench
The adjustable wrench is considered the more robust version of the open-end wrench.
Equipped with a dial to adjust the aperture, it is widely available and affordable.
Its advantage lies in its ability to accommodate different nut sizes, providing a practical alternative to complete sets of wrenches.
However, it only tightens on two sides, which can limit its effectiveness in situations requiring great force.
The English key
The monkey wrench, also known as the Stillson wrench or pipe wrench, works on the same principle as the adjustable wrench.
It consists of a movable jaw which can be adjusted in size using a rack mechanism located on the handle and thus adapts to different sizes of nuts, pipes and other parts.
However, its adjustment mechanism is located on the handle, perpendicular to the jaws, which can make its use less practical in tight spaces.
On the other hand, its additional length makes it possible to generate a greater tightening torque, very useful for work requiring powerful rotational force, in mechanics or plumbing.
The ratchet or socket wrench
The socket wrench features a ratcheting system that allows access to nuts and screws in small spaces.
Easy to use, it is equipped with a head that adapts to sockets of different sizes.
Its automatic return mechanism to the original position allows quick and efficient back and forth movements to tighten or loosen, making this wrench very practical to handle.
The claw key
The claw wrench, equipped with notched jaws, is ideal for gripping pipes in plumbing work.
Mechanics also use it to catch grub screws.
However, it is not suitable for tightening or loosening screw heads or hex nuts.
Keys for specific use
There are also DIY wrenches for specific purposes, such as:
The Allen key
: perfect for hexagonal socket head screws, it is essential for assembling flat-pack furniture and cycling equipment.
The torx key
: specially designed for six-pronged Torx screws, it is widely used in construction, automotive and furniture.
The Spark Plug Wrench
: Ideal for tightening car spark plugs, it has a socket attached to a flexible T-handle.
The sink wrench
: used exclusively in plumbing, it allows you to install taps under sinks and access difficult places thanks to its long articulated handle.
The cross wrench
: practical for tightening car wheel nuts, it is commonly used when changing tires.
The torque wrench
: it measures and controls the tightening force of nuts and screws with precision in mechanics.
The 7 keys to always have in a toolbox
For basic DIY, it is recommended to have the following keys in your toolbox:
A versatile adjustable wrench, which adapts to different nut sizes.
A set of spanners for hex or square head nuts.
An Allen key for hexagon socket head screws.
A combination key
A pipe wrench to access hidden areas in plumbing.
A Torx key for six-pointed star screws.
A ratchet wrench with socket set for quick and precise tightening/loosening.
With these wrenches in your workbench or toolbox, you will have the basic necessities to carry out most of your small DIY jobs at home.